Celebrating Fair Housing Month
April is National Fair Housing Month, which celebrates the passage of the Fair Housing Act in April, 1968, a national law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, and gender. The intersection of The Housing Council’s 50th Anniversary and Fair Housing month is the perfect time to reflect on our organization’s mission - increasing successful homeownership and tenancy experiences throughout our community, focusing on low- to moderate-income residents. Everyone – regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, gender, familial status - deserves the comfort of home and fairness in housing is essential to achieving that.
The Housing Council supports the creation of strong, sustainable, inclusive communities through counseling and education. We believe in the right of individuals to feel safe and secure in their home. We work with tenants and landlords to educate them regarding the state, federal and local laws regarding discrimination to promote equitable housing situations. Our first-time buyer program focuses on equity in lending and home purchase. Through our housing hotline we are able to answer basic questions regarding fair housing concerns and offer legal referrals to anyone who feels they have been discriminated against based on one of the protected classes.
The Housing Council at PathStone provides fair housing outreach, education, and information to Monroe County residents. We specifically work to reach communities that have been historically discriminated against in housing include African-Americans, Hispanics, the elderly, persons with physical and mental disabilities, immigrants and other Limited English Proficiency populations, low- and moderate-income level persons. The laws specifically address discrimination against these individuals and we provide information and referrals where appropriate to any resident who feels they may have been the victim of such practices. Our educational outreach includes persons who may be targeted for predatory lending practices, prospective homebuyers, and persons in need of foreclosure prevention counseling.
The Housing Council also partners with other organizations that serve individuals who may need housing support and information. Some of the organizations we collaborate with include the Center for Youth, NYS Department of Corrections, Coordinated Care Services, Independent Living Center of the Genesee Region, LAWNY, Catholic Family Center’s Project Restart (drug rehab), Association for Battered Women, AidsCare, Willow Domestic Violence Center, YWCA (single women with children), and Rochester Housing Authority. We have long-standing relationships with many partners who welcome us into their facilities on a continuing basis in order to conduct fair housing education for their programs. We interact with their program participants, especially those who may engage in a housing search. This allows our organization to interact with homeless shelters, shelters for battered women, job readiness programs, drug rehab programs, youth programs and minority church congregations.
The Housing Council operates the only Housing Hotline in the area. Callers are able to speak to a HUD-approved housing counselor regarding a variety of topics including housing discrimination, Fair Housing laws, changes in state and federal laws regarding housing, and referrals to other resources. We speak to thousands of individuals every year in this manner. And, of course, Fair Housing information is readily available on our website for anyone to access.
We strongly encourage you to get involved to make a difference in our community, as well. But, what can you do?
Start by learning more about how the lack of affordable housing has historically impacted our communities. Educate yourself regarding how rental housing helps seniors, families, and children become and remain stable. The National Association of Realtors has compiled a great list of books, movies and other learning resources. We’ve posted links to Fair Housing articles and videos on our Facebook page and other social media outlets.
Pay attention to affordable housing plans in your community and advocate for them. By contacting your legislators to urge support for affordable housing, attending community and city council meetings to advocate for affordable housing, you can help provide housing stability for local families. These opportunities not only help them to have safe and healthy homes but can help them to save and plan for the future.
Speak up whenever possible about what you’ve learned about the disparities and lack of equity experienced, and most of all, listen to the voices of those who have been victimized by disparities. We can all advocate for policies that promote housing rights.
Our communities become better places once every individual has a safe, stable and affordable place to live. Everyone deserves the comfort of home!